Aim: The two main aims of the study are the identification of the environmental influences on the life styles of children (Age 3-6) emphasizing the role played by the organization of outdoor spaces and the spatial distribution of objects and equipment and, in the background, the georeferencing of formal and informal playgrounds in two Municipalities. The research is in a finalization phase as part of the PhD in "Systems, technologies and devices for movement and health” at the University of Cassino and Southern Lazio. Method: Given that the focus of the first aim of the research has been directed to the development of motor skills in children during outdoor playing, an observation tool on motor and recreational activities was adapted from SOPARC (System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities). The data were collected observing parks (n=2) in Cassino and Isernia and are currently being processed. Moreover, semi-structured interviews (n=6) and a focus group with teachers of nursery schools have been administered in the same towns. The background aim of the research was investigated through the construction of a database of the sports facilities and outdoor formal and informal playgrounds in the two Municipalities. The database provides a quantitative and qualitative evaluation about the geo-referenced data, creating easily updatable and integrated maps. Results: Provisional results, obtained after the first period of observation, highlight that the children tend to frequently change the kind of activities, even several times in the ten minutes observation patterns. The mobility, the passive balance, and ball playing are among the preferred activities; warmer temperatures and the feeling of fatigue promote the choice of symbolic play. The children presence in the parks is made possible by relatives whose role is limited to control rather than encourage. Conclusions: The structure of the parks deeply determines the type of activities of children. Similarly, interactions between adults and children influence the possibility and the kind of movements. In the school environment, as reported by the teachers, their lack of specific competences and the inadequacy of proper equipment affect the richness of the mobility of children thus reducing the feedbacks received by the teachers.
The influence of the playgrounds georeferencing, layout, and equipment in the development of active life styles in children
POMPILI, Lavinia;BORGOGNI, Antonio
2013-01-01
Abstract
Aim: The two main aims of the study are the identification of the environmental influences on the life styles of children (Age 3-6) emphasizing the role played by the organization of outdoor spaces and the spatial distribution of objects and equipment and, in the background, the georeferencing of formal and informal playgrounds in two Municipalities. The research is in a finalization phase as part of the PhD in "Systems, technologies and devices for movement and health” at the University of Cassino and Southern Lazio. Method: Given that the focus of the first aim of the research has been directed to the development of motor skills in children during outdoor playing, an observation tool on motor and recreational activities was adapted from SOPARC (System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities). The data were collected observing parks (n=2) in Cassino and Isernia and are currently being processed. Moreover, semi-structured interviews (n=6) and a focus group with teachers of nursery schools have been administered in the same towns. The background aim of the research was investigated through the construction of a database of the sports facilities and outdoor formal and informal playgrounds in the two Municipalities. The database provides a quantitative and qualitative evaluation about the geo-referenced data, creating easily updatable and integrated maps. Results: Provisional results, obtained after the first period of observation, highlight that the children tend to frequently change the kind of activities, even several times in the ten minutes observation patterns. The mobility, the passive balance, and ball playing are among the preferred activities; warmer temperatures and the feeling of fatigue promote the choice of symbolic play. The children presence in the parks is made possible by relatives whose role is limited to control rather than encourage. Conclusions: The structure of the parks deeply determines the type of activities of children. Similarly, interactions between adults and children influence the possibility and the kind of movements. In the school environment, as reported by the teachers, their lack of specific competences and the inadequacy of proper equipment affect the richness of the mobility of children thus reducing the feedbacks received by the teachers.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
